Four candidates — a photography manager, a construction company owner, a construction manager, and an educator — are competing in an April 6 special election for a short-term seat on the Lakeland City Commission.

The winner of the April election — or a May 4 runoff if nobody wins a majority in April — will serve until the end of this year, filling the unexpired term of former Commissioner Scott Franklin, who was elected to Congress last fall. Don Selvage is serving as interim commissioner in the seat, which represents southeast Lakeland.

  • Frankenberger
  • Musick
  • Post
  • Terrell

When qualifying for the special election ended at noon today, the four candidates were:

  • Steve Frankenberger, 56, manager of the photography department at Publix Super Markets, where he’s worked for 36 years. He’s also owned and operated his own photography business for 20 years. It is his first time running for political office.
  • Mike Musick, 49, owner of Musick Construction and Roofing in Lakeland. The company has existed for nearly two decades. This is his first run for office.  
  • Ken Post, 55, who has worked for health-related nonprofits, focusing on building management, project management and strategic planning. He spent three years in human resources. It’s his first time running for office.
  • Shandale Terrell, 46, an educator for Polk County Public Schools who works with special-needs students, analyzes academic assessment data, and mentors students. This is his fourth run for political office.

An election will be held in November to fill the next full four-year term for the southeast seat on the City Commission. The winner of the spring election will be able to run as the incumbent.

While the seat represents a geographic district, all registered voters within city limits can cast ballots in City Commission elections. Those who are not yet registered to vote must register by March 8 to vote in the city election. Online registration is available. 

Each candidate responded to the same questions about their roots in Lakeland and what they hope to accomplish as commissioner.

Time in Lakeland

Frankenberger: I have lived and worked in Lakeland since 1985.

Musick: I moved to Lakeland from Williamsport, Pa., in 1978.  I’ve lived in Lakeland for 41 years.

Post: Homeowner for 20 years; permanent resident since June 2019.

Terrell: I was born and raised in Lakeland, Fla., and graduated from Lakeland Senior High School. I’m commonly known as Dale Terrell.

Highest schooling

Frankenberger: Associate of science degree in professional photography 

Musick: I graduated from Lakeland Christian School and attended Florida State University. I never finished my degree but am currently attending Southeastern University. I hope to get my degree in the next year.

Post: Bachelor’s in nursing/arts at New York University

Terrell: I earned a bachelor of science degree, majoring in education from Florida A&M University; a master of science degree in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University; and a doctoral degree in education with a concentration in higher education leadership and a minor in urban education from Nova Southeastern University.

Reason for running

Frankenberger: Having a servant’s heart, it is my desire to enact positive change for the city of Lakeland. As a candidate for the city commissioner for the District “D” southeast seat, I proudly pledge to uphold the integrity of my constituents and enact ordinances, resolutions, and policies that positively impact a city we can continue to be proud of. I will always keep Lakelanders’ best interests at heart for the future potential of this city and want citizens to know their voices are heard.

Musick: I am running for the Lakeland City Commission because I believe that Lakeland is a city worth fighting for. It’s a city worth investing time, resources, and energy. I want to help make Lakeland a place where businesses thrive, where our taxes and fees are low, and where our streets and neighborhoods are a place of safety and security. There are more than 300 cities in Florida, and I believe Lakeland is in a position to be on top. I want to help make that a reality.

Post: I am interested in being part of the team that is helping the city of Lakeland navigate rapid growth. As a rapidly growing city — among the fastest in the nation — I want to ensure that we continually ask important questions that will ensure quality of life for all citizens. After managing multimillion dollar projects for over 20 years, I want to share my knowledge and skills around making sound investments, equitable negotiations, and conservative spending. 

Terrell: I was born and raised in Lakeland, Fla. I want to be a city of Lakeland commissioner and work with the city of Lakeland commission as a team to create equal opportunities for all citizens, expand the business community, help offer good-paying, living-wage jobs, help provide a safe place to live, and attract an educated workforce.  

What do you want to accomplish?

Frankenberger: If chosen as the city commissioner for the District “D” southeast seat, my mission will be to make responsible decisions that allow for business and economic growth, residential prosperity, and environmental restoration. My priorities include: 1) Remaining fiscally conservative by adhering to a balanced budget that works in favor of all citizens and keeping tax rates manageable; 2) Working with city leaders to attract new businesses to Lakeland, while still supporting our local businesses; 3) Preserving Lakeland’s natural resources, protecting our lakes, and continuing to find ways to reduce our environmental footprint; 4) Featuring Lakeland’s local artists in a multitude of projects. By doing so, we can continue to create captivating community spaces for our residents to enjoy, as well as take steps towards local regeneration for a better future for our community. I plan to be a new voice, with a new vision.

Musick: I would like to help bring Lakeland out of this COVID time with strong relationships with businesses — both small and large — so that our families can spend less time worrying about their finances and more time enjoying the great benefits that Lakeland has to offer.

Post: I want to expand our focus around the following issues: affordable housing for all citizens, communication services, transportation, and water resources to make city of Lakeland living affordable and safe.  

Terrell: Lakeland is where I have grown up and lived; my loyalty and roots are here. My service to Lakeland for the last 35 years has given me the insight to understand the aspects of the Lakeland community. As a city commissioner, I will serve and work hard for the citizens in Lakeland. I will strive to redevelop businesses, work hard to attract investors, and preserve our community on keeping our beautiful parks and expanding our community events to make sure our citizens can enjoy all the beauty and positives of Lakeland, Fla.

Campaign finance

So far, the city elections website shows campaign finance reports for two candidates:

Learn more

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